1982Inspired by a second visit to Italy where I learn how to make Gelato, I land back in Chicago to open my very own gelateria, Baci Cafe–to rave reviews! It is here that I discover my knack for customer service and passion for working with people. (This would come in handy later!)

1982I visit Italy again, this time to learn the art of making gelato and return to Chicago to open Baci Cafe–to rave reviews!

1984I decide to trade in my ice cream scoop for something totally different–a real estate license. Fun fact: back then, listings were found in massive books with onion-thin skin paper, which I'd peruse for hours looking for the perfect dream home for my clients. The future is bright!

1985At the age of 27, I purchase my first condo (a beautiful, industrial loft in the West Loop!) while working on one of Chicago's first loft condo conversions–411 S. Sangamon. It’s been one of my favorite projects to date. Wow how that neighborhood has changed in 31 years!

1985I buy my first condo (a loft!) while working on one of the city's first loft condo conversions in the West Loop.

2004I get to work on the fixer upper with my bestie and architect extraordinaire, Elissa Scrafano. Champagne taste on a beer budget and the house is a dream. I sell my Bucktown house in a week. Katharine, our doggies and I move to Howe St; life is good.

2004I get to work with my bestie and architect extraordinaire, Elissa Scrafano. Champagne taste on a beer budget!

2009A record breaking year for sales! I close a deal at 1550 State Parkway–a historic building I absolutely adore. Designed by Benjamin Marshall and overlooking Lincoln Park, it’s one of my favorites in the city. (Swoon.)

2009A record breaking year for sales! I close a deal at 1550 State Parkway–a building I adore.

2013Honored as the top producing individual agent in my Lincoln Park office – pinch me! On a roll, I close another deal at 1550 State Parkway... love this building!

2013Honored as the top producing individual agent in my Lincoln Park office!

TODAYI meet you... funny how fate works, isn’t it? Looking for real estate advice, local Chicago recommendations, or have a question for me? I want to hear from you!

TOADYI meet you, thank you for visiting my website!

1958I am welcomed into the world by parents, Sheila and Rudy. The oldest of four siblings, my younger brother Michael would come soon after, followed by the twins–Steve and Dave. We live in South Deering on the south side of Chicago with my sweet Italian grandparents, Flori and Pearl.

1958I am welcomed into the world by parents, Sheila and Rudy. I have three brothers–Mike, Steve and Dave.

1974At age 17, I leave my home to explore the world–Europe, here I come! After hopping around to dozens of countries, I fall head over heels for Italy and its beautiful art and delicious food and get my first taste of gelato. Upon my return I settle in Lake Tahoe.

1974I leave home to explore the world–Europe, here I come... and upon my return settle in Lake Tahoe.

1990Round the clock realtor and play producer by night, I produce the play ‘All Men Are Whores’ with my friend and co-realtor, Lila Mirochin. It was based on the David Mamet play of the same name, and to our delight, received rave reviews! Celebration ensued. Fun Fact: One of the show's stars is also a realtor today - Karrin Sachs.

1990Round the clock realtor and play producer by night, I produce the David Mamet play All Men Are Whores.

1987A year of excitement! Cobalt, my very own brokerage firm is born. I also take the plunge to buy my first "portable" phone. It was the size of a large shoe box (think Maxwell Smart), which I carried around in a big, black shoulder bag. (Tres chic, it was not.)

1987Cobalt, my very own brokerage firm is born, and I buy my first "portable" phone. It was the size of a large shoe, which I carried around in a big, black shoulder bag.

2003One of my favorite agents calls for help pricing a house that has been on the market forever–a fixer-upper on Howe Street. I stop by, and end up falling in love with the wreck. The house is sold–to me! Deal closed. (Oh my, what have I done?) I have my work cut out for me, but I’m up for the challenge!

2003One of my favorite agents calls for help pricing a fixer-upper. I end up buying it instead. (Oh my, what have I done?)

2000Kat and I, along with dogs, Sadie and Max, move to a darling Bucktown bungalow on Wolcott. The two car garage leaves enough room for Papa Rudy to spoil his granddaughter with (what else?) a pink, battery operated Barbie car. We make weekly “drives” down the street to our favorite Italian spot, Club Lucky. Life is good!

2000We move to a darling Bucktown bungalow, making weekly "drives" to Club Lucky in Kat's Barbie jeep.

2014A year for the record books and a heartfelt thank you to my clients. I join @Properties, the #1 brokerage firm in Chicago, and the most innovative, client-focused real estate company in the US! I am on the cover of Chicago Agent Magazine’s Who’s Who in Chicago issue, chosen from over 200+ agents and I am again named #1 individual agent in my office.

2014I join @properties, the #1 brokerage firm in Chicago,
one of the most client centric and innovative real estate companies in the country.

2015 and beyondA career high for sales and #1 agent for a 3rd year in a row. Best of all, I work with one of my first ever clients (Ira is a client from 1988!) once again. I am honored by his loyalty and trust in me. The sky is the limit!

2015 and beyondA career high for sales, #1 individual agent 3rd year in a row and I get to sell a house for a client I first worked with in 1988!

1995I join Sudler Realty and begin working downtown out of the John Hancock building. (Okay, not a corner office, but exciting none the less.) Business is booming!

1995I join Sudler Realty and begin working out of the John Hancock building. Business is booming!

1997My daughter, Katharine, is born. (Thank goodness for Baby Bjorn slings.) Attached at the hip (literally) baby Kat accompanies me to nearly all showings and closings. I also buy a plot of land in Bucktown and build a house – my first development project!

1997My daughter is born. (Thank goodness for Baby Bjorn slings!) Katharine and I are always on the go.

1998I sell the pretty Bucktown home on Honore Street and buy two more plots of land, discovering my passion (and knack) for construction and renovation. I’m also named President of the Women’s Council of Realtors, donning my favorite hot pink suit for the “swearing in” ceremony!

1998I sell my home on Honore St. and buy two more plots of land, discovering my passion (and knack) for construction and renovation.

1999Along with my partners, Doug and Doug (the “D Dream Team!”) we build the "Barney house”–a modern masterpiece with an avocado green and eggplant purple facade. She’s anything but cookie cutter, with clean lines and a quirky personality. No “pop up book” concepts here!

1999The "Chic Barney house" is finished – a masterpiece with a modern avocado green and eggplant purple facade.